Save money on fees

I found myself Friday night heading out in Tinley Park for a holiday get-together, with a whole $3 in my pocket. And of course, my bank doesn't have any ATMs nearby.

You've been there -- out of cash, on your way somewhere, annoyed at the thought of forking out $4-5 in fees to another bank's ATM.

I tell you there's another way.

It's like a money machine where you also get light bulbs.

All kinds of experty types will recommend things like making sure you go to your own bank, calling the number on the back to at least find a bank in the same network for lower fees, calling up the bank to get fees lowered, etc.

But I've got an instant tip, one of my favorites that came in handy Friday night.

Find a store, pay for something inexpensive or something you need with your debit card, and use the fee-free cash-back option.

Friday night, I popped into the Home Depot on 159th Street, grabbed a box of lightbulbs, and for $0.88, plus $0.09 tax, I got $40 cash. Plus a box of lightbulbs needed at home anyway. It took a total of 3 minutes.

I've done this at the Jewel and at Dominic's so many times that I know exactly where in numerous locations where to find the tuna, which is what we can't get enough of at home.

Even if I spend $3 or 4 on something like milk, or juice or some other thing on the grocery list, I've at least received something useful in exchange. It also works on a single pack of gum, too.

Any other ways to steer clear of paying someone for your own money?

I'm guessing it's only going to get worse, since ailing banks will find new ways to profit from fees.

The problem with using charge cards all the time, is that retailers have to pay a fee to the credit card companies.
Of course, retailers pass this expense on to the consumer, so as credit and charge cards become more common, all our goods increase in price because of this.

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